You can greatly improve color accuracy by applying an L*a*b* optimization file to the media profile.

1. Under Profiles, select a workflow. The media profile and the simulation (reference) profile associated with the workflow are retrieved. The simulation (reference) profile represents the target colors that you want to achieve when you optimize the media profile.
2. Under Measuring device, select your measuring device.

   Device-specific settings are available for some measuring devices.

3. Under Optimization chart, select a chart.

   It is recommended that you use the same chart that was used to create the media profile.

4. Select Use optional additional characterization data (optional).

   If you do not have the original measurement data, leave the check box cleared.

   You can load original IT8 characterization data from:

   • A simulation (reference) profile—Make sure that the characterization data set matches the selected profile.

   • A different media profile—By selecting IT8 characterization data from a different media profile, you can adjust the print quality of one printer to another.

5. Under Optimization method, select one of the following:

   • Optimize media profile—Ensures that the optimized results are applied directly to the media profile.

   • Create new L*a*b* correction profile—Improves color accuracy by reducing delta E values.

   • Optimize existing L*a*b* correction profile—Achieves optimum results in fewer steps. If you have not previously created an L*a*b* optimization file, you can load and optimize the neutral.3cc file, which resides in the C:\ProgramData\EFI\EFI XF\Server\Profiles\Balance folder.

6. Under Paper white settings, select one of the following:

   • Default - Absolute colorimetric—Applies the absolute colorimetric rendering intent from the simulation (reference) profile.

   • Suppress paper white—Applies the absolute colorimetric rendering intent without paper white simulation.

   • Keep current paper white (no change)—Excludes paper white from the optimization.

7. If you are using an embedded measuring device, select the criteria for optimization control (optional).

   You can repeat the optimization procedure for a defined number of cycles, or until the defined delta E average is reached.

   If you select both check boxes, the number of cycles is reduced if the optimal delta E value is achieved before the defined number of cycles has been completed. Otherwise, the optimization procedure stops after the defined number of cycles, even if the defined delta E average has not been achieved.

8. Click Next.